About the book
In 1942, J. Robert Oppenheimer accepted the leadership of the Manhattan Project at the Los Alamos Laboratory, which produced the first atomic bomb three years later. This book examines the ethics of Oppenheimer's choice to take that job and our judgment of his acceptance, leading to the larger question of the meaning of moral judgment itself. Through an analysis of Oppenheimer's choice, Richard Mason explores questions of responsibility, the justification for the pursuit of scientific curiosity, the purity of research, and many other topics of interest in scientific ethics. This unique look at one man's choice brings out the necessary step from personal detail to abstract reflection—it may be easy to praise or condemn Oppenheimer's choice, but less easy to justify our praise or condemnation. Oppenheimer's Choice establishes the possibility of this kind of moral philosophy—neither \"applied\" nor \"practical\" ethics, but instead a sustained concentration on a single choice, and what it means.
Editions of Oppenheimer's Choice
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791467817
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791467824
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791481639
Read an Excerpt
In 1942, J. Robert Oppenheimer accepted the leadership of the Manhattan Project at the Los Alamos Laboratory, which produced the first atomic bomb three years later. This book examines the ethics of Oppenheimer's choice to take that job and our judgment of his acceptance, leading to the larger question of the meaning of moral judgment itself. Through an analysis of Oppenheimer's choice, Richard Mason explores questions of responsibility, the justification for the pursuit of scientific curiosity, the purity of research, and many other topics of interest in scientific ethics. This unique look at one man's choice brings out the necessary step from personal detail to abstract reflection—it may be easy to praise or condemn Oppenheimer's choice, but less easy to justify our praise or condemnation. Oppenheimer's Choice establishes the possibility of this kind of moral philosophy—neither \"applied\" nor \"practical\" ethics, but instead a sustained concentration on a single choice, and what it means.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oppenheimer's Choice about?
In 1942, J. Robert Oppenheimer accepted the leadership of the Manhattan Project at the Los Alamos Laboratory, which produced the first atomic bomb three years later. This book examines the ethics of Oppenheimer's choice to take that job and our judgment of his acceptance, leading to the larger question of the meaning of moral judgment itself. Through an analysis of Oppenheimer's choice, Richard Mason explores questions of responsibility, the justification for the pursuit of scientific curiosity, the purity of research, and many other topics of interest in scientific ethics. This unique look at one man's choice brings out the necessary step from personal detail to abstract reflection—it may be easy to praise or condemn Oppenheimer's choice, but less easy to justify our praise or condemnation. Oppenheimer's Choice establishes the possibility of this kind of moral philosophy—neither \"applied\" nor \"practical\" ethics, but instead a sustained concentration on a single choice, and what it means.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Oppenheimer's Choice?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Ethics and moral philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Oppenheimer's Choice?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791467817
How long is Oppenheimer's Choice and how many pages does it have?
Oppenheimer's Choice has 193 page(s)
Is Oppenheimer's Choice part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Philosophy
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Oppenheimer's Choice?
Richard Mason
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Oppenheimer's Choice is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791467817) and paperback(ISBN 9780791467824) and pdf(ISBN 9780791481639)
Where can I buy Oppenheimer's Choice online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Oppenheimer's Choice from below
Where can I buy Oppenheimer's Choice?